Cantine Umberto Bortolotti Piai Alto Valdobbiadene Rive Di Rolle 2016
From a single 2.65 ha parcel on the steep slopes of the Rive DOCG, the 2016 Umberto Bortolotti Piai Alto Valdobbiadene Rive Di Rolle is awash with delicate, tender aromas of acacia flowers, acacia honey, that swirl ’round white peach and Asian pear. It’s round and creamy upfront, with a delicate honeyed character that can […]
San Marzano 62 Anniversario Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2014
From San Marzano, the 2014 62 Anniversario Primitivo di Manduria Riserva is made from 100% head-trained Primitivo grapes grown in highly weathered, calcareous soils rich in iron oxides. Opaque quinacridone violet in the glass, the nose explodes with blackberries, plums, black cherry, anise, candied violets, and sweet tobacco. It’s supple and smooth on entry, with […]
La Marca Prosecco NV
La Marca Prosecco is a tasteful addition to any holiday table. A torrent of clinquant bubbles adds sparkle and elan to delicate aromas of yellow apple, lemon, white flowers, and acacia honey. This is a spritely, medium-bodied Prosecco graced with bright acidity, creamy texture, and a welcome burst of subtle minerality twining a pleasant bittersweet […]
Tenuta San Guido Le Difese Toscana IGT 2014
The third wine of Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2014 is a blend of 70% Cabernet and 30% Sangiovese. Aged for twelve months on French and American oak barrels, it’s a medium-bodied, fairly liner Tuscan red bedecked in plums, pie cherries, cassis and mint. In the mouth, firm tannins and high-acid and youthful energy […]
San Marzano Talò Negroamaro Salento IGP 2015
If I were to describe San Marzano’s 2015 Talò Negroamaro Salento IGP in a single word, it would be juicy. A plush and plump mouthful of damson plums, black cherries, balsamic, sweet tobacco, and vanilla paste set against a backdrop of velvety tannins and moderate acidity. This is a generous, easy-drinking wine, and it’s all […]
Vietti Moscato d’Asti Cascinetta 2015
An affordable holiday bubbly—Vietti’s 2015 Moscato d’Asti Cascinetta has a classic profile for the varietal. Lovely notes of baked apple and poached pear lie well beneath granulated honey, star gazer lilly and chamomile. At 5% ABV, it’s quaffable and charming. — August 11, 2017 I have a weakness for Vietti’s Moscato d’Asti Cascinetta, the 2015 […]
Palazzina Le Macioche Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Le Macioche 2007
The 2007 The Macioche, tasted in a vertical was the oldest vintage we were treated to a very impromptu tasting at the winery. It’s the color of brick dust, and it feels like it’s on the nose, along with layered aromas of purple, incense, anise, menthol, iron. It is quite nimble the mouth, with well […]
Quintessentia Amaro Nonino
Amaro, where have you been all my life? That is a question that begs serious thought. I was first introduced to it by my host on a recent trip to Umbria, he graciously ordered us Amaro Monte Negro on our first night and later, this classic, Amaro Nonino. Orange peel, spice cake, brandied pear, star […]
Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012
Hauled out of the cellar in anticipation of another waterlogged week in Portland, I’ve contented myself with Allegrini’s classically styled Amarone della Valpolicella. The 2012 vintage, like the 2010 I sampled two years ago, is of similar richness and texture. Plums, aged leather, figs, and tar are denser notes that form the base and backbone […]
Falesco Sagrantino di Montefalco Rc2 2012
I had the pleasure of tasting the 2012 RC2 while during a visit to Falesco earlier this month. An impressive, baritone inky wine composed of 100% Sagrantino. The nose: a kaleidoscope of black fruit jelly, blackberry reduction, anise, along with a touch of iron and brick dust, black olive and ochre … The palate is […]